most reliable used cars

Most Reliable Used Cars

Chevrolet When it comes to buying a used car, reliability is paramount. Fortunately for car buyers, J.D. Power released its 28th annual Vehicle Dependability Study this week. The study examines the reliability of 2014 model-year cars over the past 12 months — giving car buyers a glimpse at the type of problems these three-year-old cars are likely to experience. “We find buyers are increasingly avoiding models with poor reputations for dependability, so manufacturers can’t afford to let quality slip, particularly on their best sellers,” J.D. Power vice president, global automotive, Dave Sargent, said in a statement. “The good news is that consumers don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a very dependable vehicle.” Overall reliability is judged based on the number problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) with a lower score reflecting fewer problems. As part of the study, J.D. Power found the most reliable model in 18 major automotive segments. This year, the big winner is Toyota — taking home the top spot in 10 categories. General Motors followed in second with four segment wins. Here’s a closer look at the results of the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study. View As: One Page Slides

Most Reliable Used Cars

To arrive at these 15 vehicles, we started with our own listing of hundreds of thousands of used vehicles currently for sale. First, the cars had to have an average listing price under $10,000. We also looked at reliability and fuel mileage ratings. Finally, we stripped out all cars that didn’t have what we thought was decent volume in the used car market. In other words, cars that are really hard to find, no matter how good they are, didn’t make the cut.

Most Reliable Used Cars

Methodology Page 1 of 18 Methodology To arrive at these 15 vehicles, we started with our own listing of hundreds of thousands of used vehicles currently for sale. First, the cars had to have an average listing price under $10,000. We also looked at reliability and fuel mileage ratings. Finally, we stripped out all cars that didn’t have what we thought was decent volume in the used car market. In other words, cars that are really hard to find, no matter how good they are, didn’t make the cut.

Most Reliable Used Cars

Methodology To arrive at these 15 vehicles, we started with our own listing of hundreds of thousands of used vehicles currently for sale. First, the cars had to have an average listing price under $10,000. We also looked at reliability and fuel mileage ratings. Finally, we stripped out all cars that didn’t have what we thought was decent volume in the used car market. In other words, cars that are really hard to find, no matter how good they are, didn’t make the cut.

Most Reliable Used Cars

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata sedan is one of the vehicles that helped Hyundai establish its current reputation for providing reliable vehicles at an affordable price. There’s nothing glamorous about the Sonata, when it was new or now that it’s used, but there’s also no pretense about it. It’s comfortable and reliable transportation that won’t break the bank.

Most Reliable Used Cars

The Best Used Cars For Every NeedDrop-top, band van, luxury wheels, or basic transportation: There are great used cars of every stripe out there, but you’ve got to be careful. So we asked some pro mechanics what they would buy. (And if you are going to buy one, first use PopMech’s Used Car Checklist app, a 101-point inspection guide.)

A few years ago, some of these models from a showroom may have set you back $50,000, but depreciation has made them more attainable. When it comes to savings, used cars not only are less expensive from the get-go but can also cost less in taxes. And surveys show that these models have many years of reliable service still ahead.

When it comes to buying a used car, reliability is paramount. Fortunately for car buyers, J.D. Power released its 28th annual Vehicle Dependability Study this week. The study examines the reliability of 2014 model-year cars over the past 12 months — giving car buyers a glimpse at the type of problems these three-year-old cars are likely to experience.

There have never been more reliably-made cars across the board than in the last decade. It’s one reason (besides the recession) why Americans are keeping their cars longer. Still that doesn’t mean every used car on the road with 100,000 miles is created equally. (Unfortunately, when excitement goes up, reliability often ebbs. You can’t get a Ferrari to be as trouble-free as a Civic. Sorry, that’s life.)

One of the most coveted used vehicles around, the Tacoma holds its value ridiculously well. That’s partly because mid-sized trucks are a dying breed in the U.S., where sub-par editions like the Dakota and Ranger, not to mention the Colorado, were (or continue to be) afterthoughts for their respective carmakers. The Tacoma, however, has proven to be reliable. The inflated prices may just be worth it if you don’t want a full-size pickup.

Toyota Tacoma One of the most coveted used vehicles around, the Tacoma holds its value ridiculously well. That’s partly because mid-sized trucks are a dying breed in the U.S., where sub-par editions like the Dakota and Ranger, not to mention the Colorado, were (or continue to be) afterthoughts for their respective carmakers. The Tacoma, however, has proven to be reliable. The inflated prices may just be worth it if you don’t want a full-size pickup.Warnings: If you can find a 2000 or newer Tacoma that wasn’t recalled by a factory warranty for frame rust (thousands went to the crusher) you’re golden. Still, have a mechanic make sure the frame rust isn’t an issue just in case the owner ignored the recall.

One of the most coveted used vehicles around, the Tacoma holds its value ridiculously well. That’s partly because mid-sized trucks are a dying breed in the U.S., where sub-par editions like the Dakota and Ranger, not to mention the Colorado, were (or continue to be) afterthoughts for their respective carmakers. The Tacoma, however, has proven to be reliable. The inflated prices may just be worth it if you don’t want a full-size pickup.Warnings: If you can find a 2000 or newer Tacoma that wasn’t recalled by a factory warranty for frame rust (thousands went to the crusher) you’re golden. Still, have a mechanic make sure the frame rust isn’t an issue just in case the owner ignored the recall.

The 2005 Acura TSX is an upscale compact sedan that was known for its luxurious interior and sporty, responsive engine. Though some of the gloss has surely worn down by now, a good used Acura TSX will still deliver a comfortable ride and a reliable supply of power. Its fuel mileage is pretty good for a luxury car, too.

Honda’s compact Fit hatchback offers great fuel economy and an affordable way to get around. Because the Fit is so basic, which is one of the car’s selling points, a well-cared-for 2007 example won’t show as many signs of age compared to some other vehicles on this list. Keeping it simple and reliable is a good way to get a deal on a used car.

Finding a good used Saab 92-X might be trickier than expected, considering it’s a somewhat odd vehicle from a defunct brand. The thing about the Saab 92-X is, though, that it’s basically a badge-engineered Subaru Impreza – in other words, it’s a sporty and reliable Japanese sport compact wearing Saab’s Swedish exterior design. The 92-X is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, and may be worth seeking out if nothing else on this list hits the mark.

Drop-top, band van, luxury wheels, or basic transportation: There are great used cars of every stripe out there, but you’ve got to be careful. So we asked some pro mechanics what they would buy. (And if you are going to buy one, first use PopMech’s Used Car Checklist app, a 101-point inspection guide.)

As part of the study, J.D. Power found the most reliable model in 18 major automotive segments. This year, the big winner is Toyota — taking home the top spot in 10 categories. General Motors followed in second with four segment wins.

So to find the most reliable oldies, we did some internal polling of our staff experts and surveyed a fistful of mechanics, like Derick Karabec, who owns Beek’s Auto in Gardiner, N.Y., to see what they would buy for themselves or their family members. No matter the buyer, here’s our list, complete with warnings for what to have your own mechanics check before purchase. (Any seller or reseller who refuses to let you have your own mechanic check out a car is hiding something.)

The Honda CR-V was one of the early leaders in the compact sport utility vehicle segment, and a well-loved 2005 model is an excellent example of why this little sport ute has remained so popular. The CR-V is quite reliable, very practical, and reasonably efficient. The 2005 Honda CR-V is perfect for buyers who would like an SUV on a smaller scale, and a smaller budget.